Nikon D2Hs vs Nikon D3s
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D2Hs and Nikon D3s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D2Hs were released 2006 and Nikon D3s was released 2009. That is a 3 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D2Hs | 2006 |
Nikon D3s | 2009 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D2Hs has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D3s has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon D2Hs | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D3s | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Nikon D2Hs has a 4 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3s has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D2Hs |
4 MP
4021248 pixels 2464 x 1632 |
Nikon D3s |
12,1 MP
12052992 pixels 4256 x 2832 |
Nikon D3s has a 200 % larger resolution than Nikon D2Hs. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Nikon D3s has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D2Hs. Nikon D3s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 102400 while Nikon D2Hs has 200 to 1600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D2Hs | 200-1600 |
Nikon D3s | 200-102400 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D2Hs
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3s
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D2Hs can shoot up to 8 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D2Hs | 8 |
Nikon D3s | 11 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D3s. Sadly, the Nikon D2Hs does not support this.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon D3s weighs 1240 gr (equal to 2.73 lb) which is 3% heavier than Nikon D2Hs and its 1200 gr (or 2.65 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D2Hs | 1200 gr 2.65 lb |
Nikon D3s | 1240 gr 2.73 lb |
Nikon D2Hs vs Nikon D3s Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D2Hs and Nikon D3s, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
Name | Nikon D2Hs | Nikon D3s |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
Release Year | 2006 | 2009 |
Release Date | 2005-02-16 | 2009-10-14 |
MSRP | 3499 USD | 5199 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | JFET | CMOS |
Resolution | 2464 x 1632 pixels | 4256 x 2832 pixels |
Megapixels | 4 MP | 12,1 MP |
Image Processor | Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) | EXPEED |
Image |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
ISO Range | 200 - 1600 | 200 - 102400 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW + TIFF |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Focus Points | 11 | 51 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 2.5” | 3” |
Screen dots | 235000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | N/A | Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD |
Live view | No | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.86× (0.57× 35mm equiv.) | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
Frames per second | 8 fps | 11 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | No |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
Video recording | No | Yes |
Video format | N/A |
Motion JPEG MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution | N/A |
1280 x 720 |
Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
HDMI Output | No | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless | No |
Yes Optional |
Remote Control | Supported | Yes |
GPS | No |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D2Hs |
Nikon D3s |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Nikon EN-EL4 Litium-ion battery
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | N/A | 4200 shots |
Width | 158 mm | 160 mm |
Height | 150 mm | 157 mm |
Depth | 86 mm | 88 mm |
Weight | 1200 gram | 1240 gram |